Internal security forces on Friday expelled a group of Hezbollah supporters, who infiltrated the sit-in in downtown Beirut, chanting in support of the party’s secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah, and against the head of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea.
Demonstrations continued in several Lebanese areas for the eighth consecutive day and protesters blocked major roads leading to the main cities.
Security sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the internal security forces brought reinforcements to Riad al-Solh Square to keep Hezbollah supporters away from the sit-in, stressing its commitment to protect the protesters.
Many demonstrators considered the chants of Hezbollah’s supporters, dressed in their trademark black shirts, as provocative and others felt that the infiltration was a form of “intimidation.”
The party’s supporters said they rejected accusations of corruption against Nasrallah, stressing that they suffered like the rest of the Lebanese population, but that their leader was not corrupt. As they recited slogans in support of Nasrallah, many protesters feared an escalation and withdrew to nearby sites.
In a televised speech later in the day, Nasrallah reiterated Hezbollah's rejection of the resignation of the government and any move to topple its ally, President Michel Aoun, saying this would leave a void.
"In view of the difficult financial, economic and living situation in the country, in view of security and political tensions that are prevailing in the region ... a vacuum will lead to chaos, to collapse," Nasrallah warned.
He called on his supporters to leave the anti-government protests.
Security forces participated on Thursday in the protection of demonstrators, who poured into the center of Beirut after the speech of Lebanese President Michel Aoun, despite the rainy weather, to express their mistrust in the ruling authority.
The British Embassy in Beirut called for listening to the demands of the Lebanese people who expressed their legitimate frustration.
“A week after these protests started, the Lebanese people have expressed legitimate frustrations, which must be heard. This is an important moment for Lebanon: the necessary reforms should be implemented urgently,” the Embassy said on its Twitter account.
“The UK will continue to support a secure, stable, sovereign and prosperous Lebanon, including a stronger and fairer economy, quality education for all, improved services, and enhanced security,” it added.
